Apple is preparing a major display upgrade for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the change is already reshaping its OLED supply chain. New reports say Apple will finalize OLED panel approvals this month, with Samsung Display and LG Display expected to handle most of the premium panel production for the 2026 flagship lineup.
China’s BOE reportedly failed to secure approval for the high-end iPhone 18 Pro models after struggling with panel quality and manufacturing yields tied to LTPO+ technology. The company previously supplied some OLED panels for the iPhone 17 Pro lineup, but Apple now appears to be leaning more heavily on its South Korean suppliers for the next generation.
According to The Elec, the iPhone 18 Pro series will move from standard LTPO technology to newer LTPO+ panels, which improve power efficiency and display responsiveness. The upgrade also gives Apple finer control over OLED light emission, especially in changing lighting conditions and Always On Display usage.
“Conventional LTPO applies oxide materials to switching thin-film transistors (TFTs). LTPO+ extends oxide usage to driving TFTs as well, enabling finer current control for OLED light emission and allowing displays to optimize operation based on surrounding conditions and user environments, improving battery efficiency,” industry sources told The Elec.
The report suggests Apple wants “stable component procurement” before launch, which explains why Samsung and LG remain central to the premium iPhone supply chain. Samsung Display reportedly increased production volumes by around 10% to 15% in the first half of the year as Apple accelerated panel orders amid concerns about rising semiconductor and raw material prices.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are still expected to keep the same 6.3 inch and 6.9 inch display sizes. However, the new LTPO+ technology could improve battery life, reduce low-light flickering, and make Always On Display behavior feel smoother in daily use.
Earlier reports also claimed Apple plans to use under-screen infrared technology from Samsung, which could shrink the Dynamic Island by moving some Face ID components beneath the display. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in September.
